Murdoc has written a review of the Adam Arms retrofit piston system for the AR-15 for Guns and Hunting.
The new Adams Arms gas block quickly mounted with hex screws and a new bolt carrier key, a couple springs and a bushing were all that was needed before adding the sleeved drive rod. Supplied front handguards mounted normally, and I was left going back over the installation manual, convinced that I must have missed something. It was that easy. Though it took me more than half an hour due to the troublesome factory gas block, this is certainly a task that can be accomplished by a moderately capable gun owner.
It is a well written review and worth reading.
This 3D animation shows how the piston system works verses the AR-15’s normal method of operation, direct gas impingement.